Eric Koomson | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Eric Koomson | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Eric Koomson | Agronomy | Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Hohenheim | Germany

Dr. Eric Koomson is an accomplished agricultural scientist whose work spans agronomy, soil science, geostatistics, and sustainable farming systems, demonstrating strong expertise in modelling soil processes, climate–crop interactions, and land-use dynamics. Dr. Eric Koomson has built an impressive academic foundation beginning with a B.Sc. in Agriculture, followed by an M.Sc. in Soil Science with a major in Soil Physics, and culminating in a doctorate in Agronomy from the University of Hohenheim, where his research focused on biophysical modelling, soil organic matter dynamics, and sustainable land-management options for smallholder farming systems. Over the years, Dr. Eric Koomson has gained extensive professional experience working as a Postdoctoral Researcher specializing in geostatistics and scenario modelling, a research assistant supporting long-term organic matter trials, a crop production tutor, and a graduate trainee in international agricultural research institutions in Kenya, including IITA and ICRAF. His research interests include soil health, conservation agriculture, climate-smart farming, greenhouse gas assessments, agroforestry integration, erosion mitigation strategies, and participatory approaches for improving smallholder agricultural productivity. Dr. Eric Koomson possesses strong research skills in statistical programming, DSSAT and APSIM modelling, GIS and remote sensing, MIRS analytical techniques, and plot-to-landscape biophysical simulations. His work is further strengthened by multiple international trainings, including greenhouse gas measurement systems, intercultural competence, and advanced soil–plant analytical methods. Dr. Eric Koomson has earned several recognitions, including an excellence scholarship from the Food Security Centre of the University of Hohenheim and earlier merit-based academic awards, reflecting his dedication and professional excellence. With an expanding portfolio of peer-reviewed publications and international collaborations, Dr. Eric Koomson continues to contribute significantly to global efforts in sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming systems, and soil conservation. In conclusion, Dr. Eric Koomson stands out as a highly motivated, skilled, and globally engaged agricultural scientist with strong potential for future leadership in agronomy and environmental sustainability.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

  1. Muoni, T., Koomson, E., Öborn, I., Marohn, C., Watson, C. A., Bergkvist, G., et al. (2020). Reducing soil erosion in smallholder farming systems in East Africa through the introduction of different crop types. Experimental Agriculture, 56(2), 183–195. Cited by 68.

  2. Adiku, S. G. K., MacCarthy, D. S., Hathie, I., Diancoumba, M., Freduah, B. S., et al., including Koomson, E. (2015). Climate change impacts on West African agriculture: An integrated regional assessment (CIWARA). World Scientific Publishing. Cited by 46.

  3. MacCarthy, D. S., Zougmoré, R. B., Akponikpè, P. B. I., Koomson, E., Savadogo, P., et al. (2018). Assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from different land-use systems: A case study of CO₂ in the southern zone of Ghana. Applied and Environmental Soil Science, 2018(1), Article 1057242. Cited by 42.

  4. Koomson, E., Muoni, T., Marohn, C., Nziguheba, G., Öborn, I., & Cadisch, G. (2020). Critical slope length for soil loss mitigation in maize–bean cropping systems in SW Kenya. Geoderma Regional, 22, e00311. Cited by 19.

  5. Mpanga, I. K., Gaikpa, D. S., Koomson, E., & Dapaah, H. K. (2022). Innovations in water management: Agriculture. The Palgrave Handbook of Global Sustainability, 1–23. Cited by 15.

  6. Adam, A. M., Giller, K. E., Rusinamhodzi, L., Rasche, F., Koomson, E., Marohn, C., et al. (2025). Enhancing the resilience of intercropping systems to changing moisture conditions in Africa through the integration of grain legumes: A meta-analysis. Field Crops Research, 321, 109663. Cited by 9.

  7. Roessler, R., Cicek, H., Cournac, L., Gnissien, M., Männle, J., Koomson, E., et al. (2025). Towards transdisciplinary identification of suitable woody perennials for resilient agro-silvopastoral systems in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of West Africa. Agroforestry Systems, 99(1), 26. Cited by 3.

 

Davi Mukasa | Agronomy | Innovative Research Award

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Mr. Davi Mukasa | Agronomy | Innovative Research Award

Mr. Davi Mukasa | Agronomy – Research Associate at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Uganda

David Mukasa is an accomplished agricultural research scientist with over 25 years of professional experience in agronomy, soil science, agroforestry, and climate-smart agriculture. A dedicated contributor to sustainable agricultural development in East Africa, he currently serves at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) under the CGIAR umbrella. Throughout his career, he has focused on empowering smallholder farmers by improving productivity and resilience in coffee and banana-based farming systems. His leadership and commitment to capacity building, environmental conservation, and research dissemination have significantly influenced Uganda’s agricultural landscape. Mr. Mukasa is also a strong advocate for adaptive farming technologies and integrated systems that improve livelihoods while addressing the challenges of climate change.

Academic Profile:

Scopus

Education

Mr. Mukasa holds a Master of Science in Soil Science (2016) from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Makerere University in 2006. These academic qualifications laid the foundation for his interdisciplinary approach to research, which blends soil science, agronomy, and sustainable land management for impactful results in both academia and field applications.

Experience

Since 1994, Mr. Mukasa has been affiliated with IITA, contributing extensively to agricultural research and development initiatives. His work spans diagnostic surveys, field experiments, and laboratory analysis with a special focus on smallholder productivity. He has trained farmers in Uganda and neighboring countries on good agricultural practices and climate-resilient technologies. He also supports postgraduate students in research design and implementation, sharing his rich field experience and technical knowledge. Mr. Mukasa has led numerous community-based projects that explore sustainable farming models, particularly emphasizing crop-livestock integration, coffee agroforestry, and resource-efficient farming systems.

Research Interests

David Mukasa’s research interests are centered on sustainable agriculture, soil fertility, crop-livestock systems, and climate-smart agricultural practices. His work aims to reduce the living income gap for smallholder farmers through innovation in agroforestry and adaptive farming strategies. He actively contributes to the validation and scaling of climate-smart technologies such as the Stepwise model and Coffee and Climate (C&C) adaptation framework. He is also involved in documenting and disseminating research findings through strategic outreach initiatives that improve farmer adoption of new practices.

Awards and Recognition

David Mukasa has been acknowledged for his long-standing service and impactful contributions within IITA and other CGIAR research collaborations. His leadership in organizing regional stakeholder engagements and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices has been widely recognized. He is regularly invited to participate in scientific dialogues and development planning forums related to sustainable farming in East Africa. His current nomination for the Innovative Research Award is a testament to his outstanding research output, practical innovation, and dedication to advancing climate-smart agriculture in the region.

Selected Publications 📚

  1. 📖 Projected climate in coffee‑based farming systems: implications for crop suitability in Uganda – 2022, co-authored in Climatic Change, cited by 30+ articles.
  2. 📘 Sustainably improving Kenya’s coffee production needs more participation of younger farmers with diversified income – 2018, Journal of Rural Studies, cited by 45 articles.
  3. 📗 Influence of shaded systems on Xylosandrus compactus infestation in Robusta coffee along a rainfall gradient in Uganda – 2017, Agricultural and Forest Entomology, cited by 20 articles.
  4. 📕 Evaluating coffee yield gaps and limiting factors in Uganda – 2015, European Journal of Agronomy, cited by 60+ articles.
  5. 📙 Diversity in smallholder farms growing coffee and their use of management practices – 2015, Experimental Agriculture, cited by 50 articles.
  6. 📒 Status and host plant utilization by black coffee twig borer in Uganda – 2013, Coffee Science Conference Proceedings, cited by 15 articles.
  7. 📔 Effect of Tithonia and Phytolacca extracts against banana weevil – 2008, Africa Journal of Animal and Biomedical Science, cited by 12 articles.

Conclusion

David Mukasa is a visionary agricultural scientist whose work has brought lasting benefits to farming communities, research institutions, and policy circles. His integrated approach to agriculture—blending field experience, technical expertise, and academic rigor—makes him a standout contributor to sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. His extensive publication record, commitment to farmer education, and leadership in climate resilience position him as a deserving nominee for the Innovative Research Award. His future work promises even greater impact as he expands collaborations and deepens research into sustainable solutions for smallholder agriculture.

 

 

Prince Emmanuel Norman | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman | Agricultural – Chief Research Officer at Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute, Sierra Leone

Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman is a seasoned agricultural scientist with extensive experience in plant breeding, genetics, and agronomic research. Over the past decade, he has significantly contributed to food security and crop productivity in sub-Saharan Africa through research focused on cassava, yam, maize, and rice. His scholarly work spans both basic and applied sciences, aimed at improving crop resilience and performance. He is recognized for his dedication to sustainable agriculture, knowledge dissemination, and cross-border scientific collaborations. His professional integrity and consistent publication record have earned him a respected reputation within the global research community.

Profile Verified:

ORCID

Education:

Dr. Norman holds a strong academic background in Agricultural Sciences, with advanced specialization in Plant Breeding and Genetics. His education included training in molecular biology, quantitative genetics, and biotechnology, equipping him with a balanced perspective of both field-based and lab-based methodologies. His qualifications have empowered him to effectively apply genomic tools, conduct genetic diversity analyses, and design breeding strategies that address local and regional agricultural challenges.

Experience:

Dr. Norman has held various roles as a researcher, lecturer, and project collaborator. He has led national and international field trials, coordinated crop germplasm assessments, and participated in research networks across West Africa. His experience spans across crop improvement programs, integrated pest management projects, and soil fertility trials. In addition to his research activities, he has peer-reviewed over 100 articles across more than 30 scientific journals, reflecting his expertise and credibility as a thought leader in the agricultural sciences.

Research Interests:

His research interests are primarily centered around crop improvement through genetic and agronomic approaches. This includes breeding for high yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and post-harvest quality in root and tuber crops like cassava and yam, as well as cereals such as maize and rice. He is also deeply interested in understanding genotype × environment interactions, farmer varietal preferences, and the role of sustainable farming inputs such as biochar and green manure. His work integrates molecular markers, phenotypic screening, and socio-economic insights for holistic agricultural development.

Awards:

While no individual award is explicitly documented, Dr. Norman’s peer recognition is evident through his prolific publication and review records. He has served as a reviewer for over 100 articles in reputable journals, including Heliyon, African Journal of Agricultural Research, Frontiers in Horticulture, and BMC Plant Biology. His research has been cited in numerous peer-reviewed articles, demonstrating significant impact in the scientific community. His collaborative roles in multi-institutional projects also reflect trust and recognition from fellow researchers and institutions.

Selected Publications:

📘 Detection of Cassava Mosaic Disease and Assessment of Selected Agronomic Traits of Cassava – Horticulturae (2025) – Cited by 9
🌾 Genetic and Agronomic Parameter Estimates of Maize under Different Rates of Nitrogen Fertilization – American Journal of Plant Sciences (2024) – Cited by 6
🧬 Genetic Structure and Diversity Study of Cassava for Mosaic Disease and Root Yield – Open Journal of Genetics (2023) – Cited by 12
🌱 Impact of Green Manure on Pests and Yield Parameters of Maize – Heliyon (2023) – Cited by 10
🍠 Molecular and Phenotypic Profiling of White Guinea Yam Breeding Lines – Frontiers in Horticulture (2023) – Cited by 5
🌿 Multiple-Traits Selection in White Guinea Yam Genotypes – Plants (2022) – Cited by 11
🌻 Gene Action Analysis for Agronomic Traits in Cassava Genotypes – African Journal of Agricultural Research (2020) – Cited by 14

Conclusion:

Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman stands out as a passionate and productive researcher whose contributions have advanced agricultural science and improved food systems in Africa. With a strong foundation in genetics and agronomy, a solid publication track record, and broad peer-review engagement, he embodies the values and excellence required for the “Best Researcher Award.” His efforts in crop improvement and his commitment to collaborative science make him an outstanding nominee for this prestigious recognition.

 

 

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem Sattar | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem Sattar | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem Sattar | Agricultural – Associate Professor at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Muhammad Naeem Sattar is a distinguished researcher in the field of molecular biology with a focus on virology and genomics. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology with a specialization in Molecular Virology from Sweden. His post-doctoral research in fungal genomics further strengthened his expertise. Dr. Sattar has contributed significantly to the understanding of plant viruses, particularly Begomoviruses, and their associated DNA satellites, impacting crop health globally. He has actively worked on various molecular tools to study the diversity, interaction, and evolution of plant viruses.

Profile Verified:

Orcid | Scopus | Google Scholar

Education:

Dr. Sattar’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Agriculture from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, where he graduated with distinction. He then pursued an M.Sc. (Hons) in Plant Breeding & Genetics at the same institution, completing his studies with a strong academic record. His Ph.D. at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) focused on the diversity and interactions of Begomoviruses and their associated DNA-satellites, which set the stage for his groundbreaking research in plant virology. His postdoctoral research in fungal genomics was carried out in Sweden, further solidifying his position in molecular biology.

Experience:

Dr. Sattar has an extensive career in both academic and research environments. He has supervised and co-supervised numerous Ph.D. and M.Sc./M.Phil. students, fostering the next generation of plant biotechnologists. His research spans molecular detection, characterization, and management of plant viruses, particularly those causing diseases like Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD). He has worked internationally, contributing to projects in Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Pakistan, and Nicaragua. His collaborative research has made a significant impact on understanding viral diseases and has led to the development of disease management strategies using biotechnological advancements such as CRISPR/Cas9.

Research Interests:

Dr. Sattar’s primary research interests revolve around developing genetic resistance in crops to combat biotic and abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought. His work on the molecular epidemiology of Begomoviruses, using next-generation sequencing (NGS), is particularly notable. Additionally, his efforts in improving plant-microbial interactions and understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes have led to potential biotechnological solutions for plant protection. His work on using CRISPR/Cas9 for genome editing to protect crops from viral infections has been particularly influential in the field.

Awards:

Dr. Sattar has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including multiple research grants from prestigious foundations such as the Nilsson-Ehle Foundation and the Magn. Bergvall’s Foundation in Sweden. He has been awarded several travel and research grants, including from the Overseas Scholarship Scheme (HEC) in Pakistan and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). Additionally, he was a recipient of the Fouji Foundation Scholarship during his undergraduate studies. These awards reflect his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and his commitment to promoting international collaboration in plant virology.

Publications:

  1. Sattar, M.N., et al. (2024). Sublethal effect of emamectin benzoate on age-stage, two-sex life table and population projection of red palm weevil. Scientific Reports, 14(1):22565. 🐞
  2. Sattar, M.N., et al. (2024). Sprayable RNAi for silencing of important genes to manage red palm weevil. PLOS One, 19(10):e0308613. 🌿
  3. Sattar, M.N., et al. (2024). High-Throughput Sequencing Discovered Diverse Begomoviruses Infecting Cucumbers in Saudi Arabia. Frontiers in Plant Science, 15:1375405. 🌱
  4. Sattar, M.N. (2024). Identification and molecular analysis of watermelon chlorotic stunt virus infecting snake gourd. Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, 52(3):13857. 🍉
  5. Ghafoor, A., et al. (2024). Exploring Metal-Based Nanoparticles for Boosting Plant Tolerance to Heavy Metals and Trace Element Contamination. Phyton, 93 (11):2683-2705. ⚙️
  6. Hanif, A., et al. (2024). Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Cymbopogan citratus and Asparagus officinalis L. to Waterlogging and Salinity Stress. Journal of Ecological Engineering, 25(2):115-125. 🌾
  7. Wang, L.H., et al. (2024). The role of remote sensing, geophysics, and crop modeling in irrigation management: review and future perspective. Applied Ecology & Environmental Research, 22(1):373-394. 🌍

Conclusion:

Dr. Muhammad Naeem Sattar’s career exemplifies dedication to scientific research and practical applications of molecular biology in plant protection. His innovative work on virus detection, characterization, and genetic resistance has contributed significantly to the global fight against plant diseases. With a deep commitment to education, he has mentored numerous students who are now making their own contributions to the field. His contributions to plant virology, molecular genetics, and crop protection have established him as a leader in his field, and his ongoing research continues to shape the future of agricultural biotechnology.